Super Serum: Four serums worth investing in

For the past six months, I’ve had primarily only good skin days. I’d hazard a guess that having some semblance of routine and consistency with my skincare has been the culprit; though it’s possible the pregnancy has had a little something to do with it. I’ve streamlined what I apply to my face, and continue to keep a great product on rotation until it’s all used up. Serum in particular, is a heavy focus in my morning and evening routine. And I’ve found some real gems. So I figured, I’d share four serums I’ve re-purchased that I think are worth every penny.

BIOSSANCE SQUALANE + PHYTO-RETINOL SERUM

Key Ingredients | The core ingredient in this super serum is bakuchiol; an east asian plant seed extract. It has properties which are similar to retinol (targeting fine lines and wrinkles), but it’s gentler and can be used both morning and night. It’s also loaded with squalane – which is proving to be a trending ingredient of the moment – which locks in moisture, as well as hyaluronic acid; a known hydrator which is perfect for dry skin.

Why I love it | Being pregnant has meant that I’ve had to be much more vigorous with checking ingredients on beauty products. Salicylic acid and retinol are two ingredients that are off limits (while nursing too!), and it wasn’t until I could no longer use them as part of my routine that I realised how much I missed them. I love that this serum gives me the benefits of using retinol, but is completely pregnancy-safe. The squalane and bakuchiol are both plant-derived, and while they might not have the same levels of clinical strength as a traditional retinol, the bonus is that you can use this both in the am and the pm.

CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM

Key Ingredients | One of my favourite things about Clarins is that all their ingredients are backed by plant science. The Double Serum contains 21 active plant-based extracts. My favourite ingredients include avocado (which keeps skin soft and supple), banana (which promotes the synthesis of collagen), callicarpa (for radiance), and the leaf of life (which triggers the complexion’s natural production of hyaluronic acid).

Why I love it | This is such a great all-rounder serum, which is suitable for all skin types. We all have those products in our repertoire that we find we can go back to, no matter what. Clarins’ Double Serum is one of those for me. I know I can rely on it to not irritate my skin. Plus, my skin feels supple but firm, and radiant with regular use.

BIOEFFECT EGF SERUM

Key Ingredients | The core ingredient in this serum is EGF; epidermal growth factor. It’s derived from barley and it actively signals collagen and elastin production – key to plump, and healthy looking skin.

Why I love it | A little of this goes a long way; this is one major super serum, and it packs a serious punch. It has a thick, slippy texture which feels weighty on the skin but doesn’t clog your pores. The key thing I’ve noticed with regular use has been a softening of my fine lines and wrinkles. These have been a major sore point for me, and over the past 12 months I’ve been integrating products into my routine that’ll combat those first signs of ageing. It’s not hard to see why the EGF Serum has become a total must in my skincare cabinet.

TARTE DEEP SEA COLLAGEN SUPER SERUM

Key Ingredients | The star of the show in this serum is the vegan marine plant collagen. This gives the complexion a huge hydration boost, complements by marine plant extracts which soften the appearance of fine lines. It also is loaded with argan oil (lightweight but nourishing), and sodium hyaluronate (which gives added hydration and keeps the skin feeling supple).

Why I love it | This was a major find for me in 2019, and after taking a break to trial a few other products, I’ve gotten this back into my routine. The liquid is bio-phase, so giving it a shake emulsifies the mixture. A slippery, almost oily feeling serum, which feels weightless on the skin. In terms of hydration, this gives me a huge boost. I have oily/combination skin but suffer from dehydration (I know, what an oxymoron!). Every time I use this, my complexion seems to sing. It’s brighter, plumper, and just looks juicy. Bonus points for being great skin prep ahead of applying foundation et al.